Hello Spa Style readers! I’m the art director and a designer for SpaStyle spadecor.com, and I’ve put together a selection of inspiring artwork for your spa interior. Look for my upcoming posts with new and fabulous artwork that we’re adding to spadecor.com!

Bamboo by Broussard

A print that features elements of the sea and fresh, green bamboo. This framed artwork is a substantial piece, measuring 53″ wide and 32″ high.

Aqua Drops by Parker

Framed in a rich espresso frame, and featuring double-matting, this print reflects the image of falling drops of water. It can be hung vertically or horizontally, and measures 25″ x 49″.

Tranquility Found by Ridgers

A gallery-wrapped print resembling a calm morning at the ocean side. An abstract that is soft and restful to the eye. Measures 27″ x 27″.

Ginko Art

Made of wood and framed in a shadowbox style, the ginkgo leaves are painted in soft metallic paint with an espresso frame. A warm and neutral piece. Size 24″ x 24″.

I’ll leave you with a little inspiration for your own spa interior – the treatment rooms of the Four Seasons Silicon Valley featuring artwork hung from the ceiling to create dimension in the room. So gorgeous!!!

Educate yourself on the basics of salon lighting for your hair styling and color area. Here is what you need to know when working with a designer or contractor for an effective lighting design.

Salon lighting should flatter the complexion and compliment the interior.Bulbs come in a variety of temperatures ranging from very warm to cool. A warm temperature bulb (3,200 to 3,500 Kelvin) is the most flattering on the complexion and compliments most salon interiors. Cool temperatures (4,800 Kelvin) can equate to daylight (a sunny afternoon) and is typically not the most flattering temperature (think about being out in broad daylight and how your skin looks in the sun). Daylight/cool temperature bulbs will grey-out warm interiors as well as wash-out guests.

Salon lighting should accurately render color.Have you ever heard stories about guests receiving hair color and make-up applications in the salon only to walk outside and the color appears different? The simple solution is to utilize bulbs in the space that accurately render color. How well a bulb accurately renders color is determined by the bulb’s Color Rendering Index which represents the quality of light and its faithfulness to render colors. Be sure to request bulbs that have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or higher.

Salon lighting should be positioned to eliminate shadows. How a guest looks in the salon chair is crucial in the salon environment. If a guest feels good about their appearance, it reinforces a positive experience for repeat business and increased revenues. The easiest way to help eliminate shadows on the face is to position wall lighting on either side of the mirror to directly light the complexion. This too should be a flattering temperature bulb (3,200 to 3,500 Kelvin). Spotty lighting above, such as track fixtures, will also create shadows. In this type of application, wall lighting on the face is even more important.

Perimeter lighting around the mirror prevents shadows

Invest in energy-efficient bulbs for long term savings. Both Florescent and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy efficient lighting. When possible, request salon light fixtures that support these types of lamps. With a wide variety of color temperatures and high Color Rendering Index options, these bulbs are ideal for the salon environment especially for general illumination. Although these lamps are typically higher in cost to purchase, the investment is worth it as these lamps have long life, use less energy, save on maintenance and replacement costs and provide long term savings.

Salon work station. Your salon station lighting comes from two places: the front (wall/sconce lighting) and overhead. The wall lighting is for direct illumination on the face to flatter the complexion and face. The overhead fixtures provide your general overall lighting to perform tasks as well as light the space. If the overhead lighting is properly designed, this will provide enough lighting to perform all of the required tasks for hair styling and color application. Separate task lighting is not required if the overhead lighting is properly configured. Proper overhead lighting will vary from space to space depending upon the ceiling height and type as well as how dark or light the space is. Here is where a lighting designer who understands the intricacies of salon lighting come into play.

Add some sparkle. Typical florescent or LED bulbs, while a wonderful source of general lighting, can be flat. To add some sparkle to the hair, place a halogen bulb directly over each styling chair. Halogen bulbs are flattering with a high color rendering index and are typically used to showcase jewelry and expensive products. Why not provide your guests with this same luxury? Over-use of halogen bulbs or using halogen bulbs as your main source of lighting will cause shadowing. In addition, the life of halogen bulbs is much shorter than florescent or LED lamps.

The best lighting for your salon combines a variety of lighting to suit its particular purpose. While you don’t have to be an expert here, the idea is to be able to effectively communicate the basics so that you can explore all your lighting options to fit your budget and assure a successful result.

Liven up your space with “spring green”, this seasons big color trend. Happy and uplifting this warm tone will brighten your space for new life. Best when used as a simple accent, this color in small doses will have a big impact. Paint a drab wall or add a pretty vase with stems. The mix of sleek shapes with natural organics is the right mix for creating an uplifting retreat.

Meaning of Green: Green is abundant in nature, growth, balance and harmony. Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.

Nature’s Inspiration: gorgeous fern leaves. This simple piece of wall art is a great way to add color without the commitment of paint. Change out your artwork seasonally to inspire guests and to keep them engaged in the moment. Find “Fernscape” spa artwork, at Spa Decor.com

Liven up your spa refreshment center. The Chlo Beverage Dispenser has two levels which makes it perfect for adding a pop of color with fruits or other natural products. Coffee beans, nuts, or decorative accents would also add a fun new flavor to your space.

You can now shop SpaDecor.com by department or room type, a new feature for spa owners. Check out new products and experience tips and trends. Enjoy! www.SpaDecor.com.